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The Best Cars and SUVs For Snow (Winter 2025 Edition)

The Best Cars and SUVs For Snow (Winter 2025 Edition)

For those who are not interested in a massive, all-wheel drive truck, finding a car or crossover SUV that’s safe in the snow can be a challenge. We’re here to simplify your Car Search with this list of the best vehicles for winter driving, from snow to slush and beyond. Better yet, these all-wheel drive models offer the best value for your wallet as we head into the cool season.

The Best Sedans For Snow (Under $30,000)

2025 Subaru Legacy

best cars for snow: 2025 Subaru Legacy

Base Price (with all-wheel drive): $26,065

Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway

Ground clearance: 5.9 inches

Reliability Rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports

Satisfaction Rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports

Why It’s Great For Winter: This is the go-to all-wheel drive sedan for under $30,000. The Legacy has grown from a low-volume, small sedan to the larger, more popular sedan it is today. With excellent fuel economy, decent clearance for a sedan, and Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive, all shoppers in the market for a car with AWD should consider the Legacy.

See Subaru Legacy listings with local market data.

2025 Mazda3 Sedan

best winter cars, best cars for snow

Base Price (with all-wheel drive): $30,595

Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway

Ground clearance:  5.5 inches

Reliability Rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports

Satisfaction Rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports

Why It’s Great For Winter: The Mazda3 sedan offers something that’s increasingly rare: standard all-wheel drive on a sedan at a good price. From the Carbon Edition trim level and up, all-wheel drive is included, providing drivers with greatly improved traction in the snow.

See Mazda3 sedan listings with local market data.

2025 Kia K5

best cars for winter driving: 2025 Kia K5

Base Price (with all-wheel drive): $29,195

Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway

Ground clearance: 5.3 inches

Reliability Rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports

Satisfaction Rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports

Why It’s Great For Winter: The Kia’s of today hardly resemble those of yesterday. On top of great looks, the K5 sedan has optional all-wheel drive starting at under $30,000. According to Consumer Reports, the Kia K5 has excellent reliability ratings too. Equipped with winter tires, the K5 would do excellent in the snow, as long as higher ground clearance isn’t a must.

See Kia K5 listings with local market data.

2025 Tesla Model 3

best EVs for winter driving: Tesla Model 3

Base Price (with all-wheel drive): $44,370

Range: 363 miles

Ground clearance: 5.5 inches

Reliability Rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports

Satisfaction Rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports

Why It’s Great For Winter: ICE-powered cars are no competition for electric all-wheel drive. Reaction times and traction control capabilities are noticeably quicker in an AWD EV. 

Despite slim ground clearance, the considerably more expensive Tesla Model 3 is an unbeatable value. For those who can claim the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and drive enough to realize fuel savings, the Model 3 starts to look like more of a bargain. 

Configure your Model 3 at Tesla.com, or see used Tesla listings with fair price data.

The Best Crossovers and SUVs For Snow (Under $40,000)

2025 Subaru Forester

best SUVs for snow and winter driving: 2025 Subaru Forester

Base Price: $31,115

Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway

Ground clearance: 8.7 inches

Reliability Rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports

Satisfaction Rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports

Why It’s Great For Winter: The Forester gets an upgrade for the 2025 model year. In addition to the added room and features, buyers will see a higher pricetag. On the bright side, Subaru is known for largely avoiding dealer markups, making it easier to get the Subaru you want at a fair price.

Why not the Crosstrek? You simply get more for your money with the Forester. Most will appreciate more cargo volume, and more room for passengers with the Forester.

Browse Subaru Forester listings with local market data.

2024 Subaru Ascent

best SUV for snow - Subaru Ascent

Base Price: $35,740

Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway

Ground clearance: 8.7 inches

Reliability Rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports

Satisfaction Rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports

Why It’s Great For Winter: The Ascent is perfect for those who need a larger SUV with standard all-wheel drive. The 2024 Ascent has three rows of flexible seating for 8 passengers, something that other models on this list can’t match.

Ground clearance is excellent, meaning that you’ll have no trouble pushing through snow (with proper tires, of course). Fuel economy is less than desired, but that’s what you get with a large SUV.

Browse Subaru Ascent listings with local market data.

2025 Mazda CX-50

Best SUV for winter driving - Mazda CX-50

Base Price: $31,720

Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway

Ground clearance: 8.3 – 8.6 inches

Reliability Rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports

Satisfaction Rating: 3/5 according to Consumer Reports

Why It’s Great For Winter: The CX-50 features standard all-wheel drive and 8.3 to 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making this a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want a Subaru. Mazda reliability ratings are rising as the brand continues to transition towards a more premium reputation. Hoping for better MPGs? For 2025, a hybrid CX-50 is joining the lineup.

There’s a CX-50 for everyone. Mazda’s lineup offers a range of well-equipped trims, from the base 2.5 S Select for just $30,300 to the premium-natured 2.5 Turbo Premium starting at $41,300.

Browse Mazda CX-50 listings with local market data.

2025 Honda CR-V

2025 Honda CRV in snow

Base Price (with all-wheel drive): $31,450

Fuel Economy:  27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway

Ground clearance: 8.2 inches

Reliability Rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports

Satisfaction Rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports

Why It’s Great For Winter: It’s #2 in America in terms of SUV sales, but the CR-V is a clear winner for SUVs under $40,000. With all-wheel drive, the CR-V LX starts at a base price of $31,000.

The CR-V AWD is ideal for those who are okay with all-wheel drive that is only engaged when it’s needed. The rest of the time, the CR-V is front-wheel drive.

See Honda CR-V listings with local market data

The Best Hybrid SUV For Snow

2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Best hybrid SUV for winter driving

Base Price (with all-wheel drive): $43,615

Fuel Economy: 35 miles per gallon combined

Ground clearance: 8.0 inches

Reliability Rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports

Satisfaction Rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports

Why It’s Great For Winter: There’s a lot to love about the Highlander Hybrid AWD: eight inches of ground clearance, 35 miles per gallon, and all-wheel drive on top of excellent reliability at a reasonable price. 

Smaller hybrid SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson or Honda CR-V are excellent for winter when equipped with AWD, but serious winter drivers know that ground clearance matters in a snowstorm. 

The only downside is limited inventory. See our latest inventory update.

Browse Highlander Hybrid listings with local market data. 

The Best EV For Snow (Under $50,000)

Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y in snow

Base Price (with all-wheel drive): $49,370

Range: 308 miles (expect 20% less range in the winter)

Ground Clearance: 6.6 inches

Reliability Rating: 41/100 according to Consumer Reports

Satisfaction Rating: 4/5 according to Consumer Reports

Why It’s Great For Winter: Owning an electric vehicle is full of perks, but winter driving is not one of them. How so? EVs lose driving range in cold weather. It’s a matter of battery chemistry. On top of that, charging speeds can be slower in extreme cold without battery preconditioning capabilities. 

Tesla, being the EV originators that they are, took these challenges into consideration as they built their brand. The Model Y has access to the largest and most reliable EV charging network in North America, the Tesla Supercharger network. That’s a huge help considering that the highway range in winter weather can drop below 250 miles on a full charge. 

Better yet, Tesla models have battery preconditioning built into route planning. This means that when you navigate to a charging station, the car will automatically warm the battery to the ideal temperature for faster charging. Battery preconditioning is an essential for EV ownership in cold climates.

When it comes to all-wheel drive, electric vehicles, including but not limited to the Model Y, have a big advantage over ICE vehicles: near-instantaneous reaction times. Everything is computer-based in an EV. Torque and traction control features are adjusted to maintain control far quicker than is possible in a traditional gas-powered vehicle. So range and charging can be tough in the winter, but EV traction is superior. 

Tires Matter Most

Do I need winter tires? Winter driving tips.

Sliding on flurries in your all-wheel drive vehicle? Before you blame the car, check your tires. Too many drivers forget the importance of winter-ready tires before venturing out in the snow. Unlike their summer counterparts, winter tires are specially designed with a different rubber compound that stays pliable in colder temperatures. This flexibility provides better grip on icy surfaces and shorter braking distances. The tread patterns on winter tires are also tailored to dig into snow and slush, channeling it away from the tire’s contact patch and enhancing traction.

Simply put, having winter tires is like equipping your vehicle with the right gear to conquer winter’s toughest terrain. All-wheel drive alone will NOT be enough to stay safe. Be sure you have tires that are suitable for winter before the first snowflakes fly. 

Looking for help with your next vehicle purchase? The CarEdge Team is changing car buying for the better. From DIY options that equip you with powerful market insights to the best car buying Concierge service out there, we’re bringing pre-negotiated car deals to the masses. 

Learn more about our expert car buying help today!

The Most Reliable SUVs and Crossovers According to Consumer Reports

The Most Reliable SUVs and Crossovers According to Consumer Reports

Dependability matters, especially as auto repair costs soar. Have you ever experienced the delight of owning an SUV that goes above and beyond in terms of reliability? If not, we’re out to change that. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 most reliable SUVs for 2024, courtesy of the consumer advocates at Consumer Reports. 

We’ve ranked today’s new SUV models by popular segment. SUVs are ranked first by reliability, then with driver satisfaction and road test scores as the tie breakers. Consumer Reports rates reliability and satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5, and road test scores range from zero to 100. 

Looking for the most reliable car brands overall? Check it out here. 

The Most Reliable Small SUVs

Most dependable SUVs

For anyone familiar with the most reliable car brands, the winners should come as no surprise. Toyota and Lexus frequent the top of the list for automotive reliability. Honda and Subaru are also known for making the most dependable SUVs, and also win top honors here.

MakeModelYearReliability ScoreSatisfaction ScoreRoad TestBase MSRP
LexusNX Hybrid20235587$41,955 - $57,805
ToyotaCorolla Cross20235276$23,610 - $31,065
HondaCR-V Hybrid20234488$32,400 - $39,100
SubaruForester20234487$27,095 - $37,395
SubaruCrosstrek Hybrid20234485$23,645 - $36,845
SubaruCrosstrek20244483$24,995 - $31,995
HondaCR-V20234483$28,410 - $35,760
ToyotaCorolla Cross Hybrid202344In Testing$27,970 - $31,065
MazdaCX-5020234378$27,550 - $42,300
ToyotaRAV4 Hybrid20234378$28,275 - $39,530
LexusUX20234377$35,340 - $44,170
MazdaCX-520244377$29,300 - $40,600
HondaHR-V20234373$23,800 - $29,400
MitsubishiOutlander20234372$27,895 - $49,995
NissanRogue20234281$27,360 - $38,990
ToyotaRAV420234272$28,275 - $39,530
ChevroletTrailblazer20234270$22,100 - $27,700

The surprises on the list? Most would not expect to see the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Nissan Rogue alongside the big names in reliability.

The Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

Toyota and Lexus combined occupy eight spots on the list of most reliable midsize SUVs.

MakeModelYearReliability ScoreSatisfaction ScoreRoad TestBase MSRP
LexusGX202454In Testing$56,425 - $67,080
LexusRX Hybrid20234586$52,235 - $57,045
ToyotaHighlander Hybrid20234486$36,620 - $53,025
LexusRX20234481$47,800 - $62,000
ToyotaHighlander20234480$36,620 - $53,025
ToyotaVenza20234480$34,620 - $42,765
AcuraMDX20234474$49,550 - $73,200
Toyota4Runner20234459$40,155 - $54,620
ToyotaGrand Highlander202444In Testing$43,070 - $58,125
HyundaiSanta Fe Hybrid20234388$36,210 - $41,870
FordEdge20234378$37,945 - $46,485
HondaPassport20234376$41,100 - $46,560
ChevroletBlazer20234375$35,100 - $45,700
NissanMurano20234374$34,160 - $47,410

The Ford Edge and Chevrolet Blazer were least expected, but earned their place on the rankings.

The Most Reliable Large SUVs

It’s a lot tougher to find a reliable large SUV. There’s quite a bit of OEM representation on this list, however. Large SUV models from Toyota, Lexus, Lincoln, BMW, Buick, and even Ford all earned above-average ratings in dependability according to Consumer Reports testing.

MakeModelYearReliability ScoreSatisfaction ScoreRoad TestBase MSRP
LexusTX202444Not Tested$53,700 - $71,300
FordExpedition20233460$54,755 - $88,865
ToyotaSequoia20233459$59,865 - $79,865
LincolnNavigator20233457$79,725 - $112,300
LexusLX202334Not Tested$90,815 - $130,905
BMWX720233382$77,850 - $145,000
BuickEnclave20233376$44,800 - $59,470

The Most Reliable Luxury SUVs

Nine models belonging to just three brands earned above-average reliability ratings in the luxury segment. You guessed it: Lexus dominates again. Joining Lexus is Acura with the MDX and RDX, and Lincoln’s Corsair. 

MakeModelYearReliability ScoreSatisfaction ScoreRoad TestBase MSRP
LexusNX Hybrid20235587$41,955 - $57,805
LincolnCorsair20235384$38,690 - $53,885
LexusRX Hybrid20234586$52,235 - $57,045
LexusRX20234481$47,800 - $62,000
AcuraMDX20234474$49,550 - $73,200
LexusTX202444In Testing$53,700 - $71,300
LexusNX20234377$38,605 - $57,805
LexusUX20234377$35,340 - $44,170
AcuraRDX20234277$41,750 - $53,750

The Most Reliable Hybrid SUVs

You know what SUVs are terrible at? Fuel efficiency. The traditionally box-shaped SUVs of yesterday were notorious for 15 MPG fuel economy, which is just as bad for your wallet as it is for the environment. In 2024, hybrid powertrains bring surprising efficiency to the SUV segment.

MakeModelYearReliability ScoreSatisfaction ScoreRoad TestBase MSRP
LexusNX Hybrid20235587$41,955 - $57,805
HondaCR-V Hybrid20234488$32,400 - $39,100
ToyotaHighlander Hybrid20234486$36,620 - $53,025
SubaruCrosstrek Hybrid20234485$23,645 - $36,845
ToyotaCorolla Cross Hybrid202344In Testing$27,970 - $31,065
HyundaiSanta Fe Hybrid20234388$36,210 - $41,870
ToyotaRAV4 Hybrid20234378$28,275 - $39,530

The Lexus NX Hybrid is a standout, with a perfect 5/5 rating for both reliability and satisfaction. Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Hyundai round out the list with high dependability and well-tested hybrid powertrains.

The Most Reliable Electric SUV

Kia EV6 reliability

If you can adapt to the charging lifestyle, electric SUVs are the way to go for drivers determined to buy less fuel and spend less on maintenance costs. 

MakeModelYearReliability ScoreSatisfaction ScoreRoad TestBase MSRP
KiaEV620235591$42,600 - $61,600
GenesisGV6020233584$59,290 - $68,290
HyundaiIONIQ 520233576$41,450 - $56,500
GenesisElectrified GV7020233581$65,850
BMWiX20233485$84,100 - $108,900
LexusRZ20233477$58,500 - $64,000
ToyotabZ4X20233476$42,000 - $48,780
SubaruSolterra20233475$44,995 - $51,995
NissanAriya20233474$43,190 - $60,190

Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis share the same e-GMP electric platform (battery+electric motors). With high reliability and proven satisfaction in the real world, they have earned top ratings for electric SUV dependability.

Despite high reliability, we can’t recommend the Toyota bZ4X or Subaru Solterra for most drivers. The reason? Painfully slow charging times of over an hour to add 200 miles of driving range. Most EVs, including the others on this list, accomplish the same feat in about 30 minutes at a DC fast charger. 

Check out the best EVs for under $50,000, and the best EVs for families.

Final Thoughts: Beyond Reliability

most reliable SUVs

While the reliability of an SUV is undeniably important when selecting your next vehicle, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll want to take into account other critical factors like fuel efficiency, comfort, safety features, and the overall cost of ownership to make a well-rounded decision that aligns with your unique needs and preferences. 

Discover CarEdge’s cost of ownership rankings

You don’t have to navigate car buying alone! Our dedicated team of CarEdge Coaches is here to guide you through the entire process. With their expert insights and personalized advice, you can rest assured that you’ll not only find a reliable SUV but also one that perfectly suits your lifestyle and brings joy to every drive. 

Are you ready to embark on a stress-free and well-informed car buying adventure? Reach out to a CarEdge Coach today, and together, we’ll discover your next SUV at a price you can comfortably afford!

The Fastest and Slowest Selling EVs Right Now

The Fastest and Slowest Selling EVs Right Now

Some EVs are hot, and some are not. To provide you with real-time insights, we’ve gathered EV inventory data from CarEdge Data and Car Search to reveal which electric models are flying off the shelves, and which ones are taking their time. 

We haven’t included direct-to-consumer brands like Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, VinFast, Fisker, and Polestar in our analysis. They don’t share their inventory data, but you can see their most recent sales totals here.

The Fastest-Selling Electric Vehicles Today

EV inventory update - Chevy Bolt

As the EV market continues to evolve, some models are in higher demand than others. Usually, it’s a combination of charging speeds, range, and price that bring swarms of buyers. Here, we highlight the fastest-selling electric vehicles in 2023’s market. These are the models with the lowest market-day supply (MDS), which is a reflection of inventory and daily selling rates over the past 45 days.

MakeModelMarket Day SupplyTotal For Sale (US)Starting PriceAverage Price Paid
ChevroletBolt EV574,288$27,495$31,320
ChevroletBolt EUV601,240$28,795$33,116
BMWi4602,268$53,195$63,185
KiaKona EV60303$33,550$39,462
Audie-tron GT62503$107,995$116,816
HyundaiIONIQ 6733,127$42,715$49,498
GMCHummer EV801,032$79,995$118,576
BMWiX813,645$88,095$102,447
Mercedes-BenzEQB883,012$52,750$62,258
SubaruSolterra962,270$44,995$49,913

The Chevy Bolt EV and larger Bolt EUV have been popular choices for budget-minded EV buyers. The i4 is a top-selling luxury sedan this month. EVs now make up 15% of BMW’s US sales, with Mercedes-Benz and Audi close behind.

The average starting price (MSRP + destination charge) of the fastest selling EVs is $50,206. On the other hand, the average selling price is $66,659, or 19% higher than the starting price for these same models. This is mostly due to the popularity of higher-trim cars, but dealer markups are also to blame. We have proof that EVs are negotiable. We don’t recommend paying any dealer markups on electric cars, trucks or SUVs. 

Hyundai and Kia electric models are selling much faster right now than in recent months. Hyundai is second in EV market share in the US market, but remains far behind Tesla. Here’s the latest EV market share and sales update.

The Slowest-Selling Electric Vehicles Today

EV inventory 2023-2024

While some EVs race off dealership lots, others linger in showrooms, waiting for their new home. Technically, the all-new BMW i5 has the highest market day supply right now, but there’s a catch. The i5 is arriving on dealer lots for the first time, leading to an unrealistic inventory of 868 days. Therefore, selling rates are skewed and will remain inaccurate until the i5 has been on sale for at least 45 days. Here are the true electric models with the highest inventory and slowest selling rates:

MakeModelMarket Day SupplyTotal For Sale (US)Starting Price (MSRP+destination)Average Price Paid
JaguarI-PACE647388$86,895$80,033
PorscheTaycan2392,613$92,550$131,159
Mercedes-BenzEQS2212,841$105,650$125,376
Mercedes-BenzEQS SUV221123$105,550$130,156
FordMustang Mach-E20424,874$44,796$57,807
GenesisGV601901,747$53,195$65,746
FordF-150 Lightning1828,913$51,990$78,934
NissanLEAF1612,626$29,255$32,856
CadillacLyriq1512,681$58,590$65,015
Mercedes-BenzEQE1441,072$76,050$91,830

Among the slow-sellers, the average starting price (MSRP+destination) is $70,452. What about how much buyers are actually paying? CarEdge Data reveals that the average price paid averages out to $85,531 for these same models.

Interestingly, the average price paid for the ten slowest-selling EVs is 22% higher than the starting price, versus 19% higher for the fastest-selling EVs. This shows that luxury buyers don’t mind spending well above the base price, making $100,000+ EVs common.

Notably, the slowest-selling EVs tend to be luxury models, such as the Jaguar I-PACE and Porsche Taycan. However, the I-PACE is getting a refresh for the 2024 model year, making it a potential contender for luxury EV buyers. 

Despite these slow sellers, the overall EV market continues to grow, with automakers producing more EVs than ever before. 2023 will be the first year with 1,000,000+ electric vehicles sold in America. Analysts expect the milestone to be reached in November.

EV Market Resources

If you’re as fascinated by evolving EV market data as we are, you’ll love these other market updates:

Which electric vehicles are you interested in? Which do you love, and which do you hate? Let us know in the comments below, or hop on over to the CarEdge Electric Vehicle Forum.

The Best Luxury Car and SUV Lease Deals in October

The Best Luxury Car and SUV Lease Deals in October

As we head into autumn, compelling luxury lease offers abound if you know where to look. We’ve sifted through the latest manufacturer offers to bring you the best 2024 and 2025 luxury lease deals available today. From Acura to Tesla, here’s your guide to some of the best luxury lease offers currently on the market.

Automakers release new lease deals early in the month, so check back for updates.

Acura Lease Deals

Acura lease deals 2024

2024 Acura Integra Lease: Lease for $369 per month for 36 months with $4,999 due at signing.

2024 Acura RDX Lease: Lease for $429 per month for 24 months with $4,999 due at signing.

See all Acura lease deals at Acura.com

BMW Lease Deals

BMW best lease deals 2024

2024 BMW i4 Lease: Lease the eDrive35 for $449 per month for 36 months with $4,849 due.

2024 BMW X3 Lease: Lease sDrive30i for $579 per month for 36 months with $4,999 due.

2025 BMW X5 Lease: Lease the sDrive40i for $899 per month for 36 months with $6,599 due.

See all BMW lease offers at BMWUSA.com

Cadillac Lease Deals

Cadillac lease deals

2024 Cadillac Lyriq Lease: Lease for $349 per month for 36 months with $4,789 due.

2024 Cadillac XT5 Lease: Lease the FWD Luxury for $419 per month for 39 months with $4,459 due.

See all Cadillac lease offers at Cadillac.com

Genesis Lease Deals

Genesis lease deals

2024 Genesis G70 Lease: Lease from $399 per month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing.

2024 Genesis G80 Lease: Lease from $559 per month for 36 months with $4,999 due at signing.

See all Genesis lease offers at Genesis.com

Infiniti Lease Deals

Infiniti lease deals

2024 Infiniti QX50 Lease: Lease the Pure AWD for $429 per month for 36 months with $5,574 due.

2024 Infiniti QX55 Lease: Lease the Luxe AWD for $489 per month for 36 months with $4,969 due.

See all Infiniti lease offers at InfinitiUSA.com

Lexus Lease Deals

best Lexus lease deals

2024 Lexus RX 350 Lease: Lease for $539 per month for 36 months with $4,999 due.

2024 Lexus NX 350 Lease: Lease for $509 per month for 36 months with $3,999 due.

See all Lexus lease offers at Lexus.com

Mercedes-Benz Lease Deals

best Mercedes-Benz lease deals

2024 GLE 350 4MATIC SUV: Lease for $849 per month for 36 months with $6,363 due.

2024 GLS 450 4MATIC SUV: Lease for $1,149 per month for 36 months with $8,443 due.

See all Mercedes-Benz lease offers at MBUSA.com

Tesla Lease Deals

Tesla lease deals

Model Y Long Range RWD: Lease for $339 per month for 36 months with $2,999 due.

Model 3 Long Range RWD: Lease for $309 per month for 36 months with $2,999 due.

Leasing Makes Sense in 2024

Leasing a luxury car or SUV has never made more sense. When opting to buy instead, drivers are faced with interest rates at 20-year highs, and near-record car prices. With enticing luxury lease offers available, it makes sense to do what is essentially a long-term rental for the perfect car. 

Free Car Buying Help Is Here

Car buying cheat sheet

Ready to outsmart the dealerships? Download your 100% free car buying cheat sheets today. From negotiating a deal to leasing a car the smart way, it’s all available for instant download. Get your cheat sheets today!

Check out this other reader-favorite (100% free):

Understanding Your Lease Contract

Point-of-Sale EV Credit Starts in 2024, But Only If Dealers Register

Point-of-Sale EV Credit Starts in 2024, But Only If Dealers Register

For those considering taking the plunge into the world of electric vehicles in 2024, there’s exciting news. The U.S. government has now clarified how car dealers can transfer tax credits for new and used EVs directly at the point of sale, ensuring you can benefit instantly from these incentives. But there’s a catch: dealers need to be registered. It’s an encouraging that more than 7,000 dealers have signed up, but thousands of others have yet to do the necessary work. Let’s delve into what this means for you.

The Wait Is (Almost) Over

It’s been an intense wait, but car dealerships across the country now have definitive guidelines on how tax credits for EVs can be handed over right at the point of sale. Previously, there were doubts about how swiftly dealers would be reimbursed by the federal government after passing the EV tax credit on to the buyer at the point of sale. The latest guidance is good news for EV buyers, but there’s a new item for your car buying checklist.

First, a quick reminder of how we got here. 

EV tax credit in 2024

In late 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed into law here in the United States. The IRA brought back the federal EV tax credit for automakers like Tesla and General Motors, but took it away from Hyundai, Kia, Audi, and many others.

Why did the EV tax credit get taken away? The new rules are complex, but in summary, an electric vehicle must be made in North America, and fall under new price caps, in order to qualify. There are also battery sourcing requirements.

See exactly which EVs qualify, and the IRS income and eligibility guidance.

For all of 2023, the EV tax credit is just that, a non-refundable tax credit. Starting January 1, 2024, the EV tax credit becomes redeemable at the point of sale. In other words, you can take your federal incentive as a cash discount when you buy your car at the dealership (or online, in the case of Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid).

But before you buy your EV, there’s something you must know. Chances are, you’ll need to get your point of contact at the car dealership a friendly nudge to get this new step completed. 

Your Dealer Must Register, Or You’ll Miss Out

Ford EV tax credits

Until now, car dealers were nervous about how this EV incentive could play out in 2024. They remember the mess caused by poor planning during the Cash For Clunkers initiative years ago, and feared a repeat. That’s why dealers welcomed this week’s news that the IRS will reimburse them within 72 hours. At least, that’s the plan.

For dealers, this is a game-changer. As Juan Alarcon, president of Car Pros Automotive Group, jubilantly told Automotive News, “Three days is great news.” But, he quickly adds a note of caution, “if they can pull it off.”

For these instant credits to materialize for buyers, dealers have a role to play. Your dealer must be registered on a new platform, IRS Energy Credits Online, in order for you to receive a point-of-sale EV tax credit.

A recent update shows that 7,000 dealers have registered so far, but thousands more have not. Now live, this platform is the hub where dealers not only register but also electronically relay EV sales data to the IRS, receive payments for transferred credits, and file time-of-sale reports. 

Once a credit is transferred at the point of sale, dealers have the option to slash the purchase price or hand cash over to the buyer. But remember, the amount has to be the full value of the available credit for the qualifying EV. Buyers will have to sign a statement under penalty of perjury that they understand the eligibility requirements for the EV tax credit, and will have to pay it back if they exceed the EV tax credit’s income limits for the year.

The Takeaway

Chevrolet EV tax credits in 2024

Finally, after a decade of asking for a point-of-sale tax credit, it’s finally here. However, if you’re buying from a car dealership, you need to check if they’ve registered with the new ‘IRS Credits Online’ system once it’s available. 

If you sense any confusion or uncertainty, you can email them this article for further information. Remember, your car dealer must be registered before you can receive the EV tax credit at the point of sale.

Need assistance with your EV deal? We help drivers buy, lease, and sell their vehicles every day. We have a team of Car Coaches who’ve helped thousands of consumers get the best deals on EVs. In 2024, EVs are negotiable.

Learn more about our car buying services. We’re simply here to help!

Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Purchasing a used car can be a smart financial decision, but it also comes with its own set of uncertainties and risks. Unlike new cars that come straight from the factory, a used vehicle has a history. To ensure you’re making an informed decision and getting the best value for your money, it’s essential to ask the seller some important questions. We’ve compiled a list of crucial questions you should ask when buying a used car. These questions will not only provide insights into the car’s history and condition but will also help you negotiate a fair price.

Questions to Ask the Seller

Our team of Car Coaches shared these critical questions for used car buyers. We especially want to thank Jerry from the CarEdge team for his insights!

We’ve listed the questions in order of importance. More important questions are listed first for each section. Of course, it’s best if you can get answers to all of these. No matter what, get a pre-purchase inspection!

Reason for Selling and Ownership

  1. Why are you selling the car?
  2. How long have you owned it?
  3. Where did you purchase it (including state)?
  4. How many previous owners has the car had, or are you the original owner?

Title and Ownership

  1. Do you have the title in hand, and is it clean or branded (such as lien or salvaged)?
  2. Do you have a CarFax report?
  3. How many sets of keys are available?

Vehicle History and Maintenance

  1. Can you provide a detailed service and maintenance history, including any records during your ownership?
  2. Has the car been in any accidents?
  3. Have there been any major repairs performed while in your possession?
  4. Are there any known mechanical issues with the car? Any leaks?
  5. How are the tires, and when were they last replaced?
  6. Was this car primarily used for city or highway driving?
  7. Has the car ever been smoked in?
  8. Are there any aftermarket parts or modifications?
  9. Has it ever failed an emissions test?
  10. Are there any warranties still valid or active recalls on the vehicle?

Inspection and Test Drive

  1. Can I have the car inspected by my mechanic? Pro tip: You should ALWAYS get an independent pre-purchase inspection (PPI) when buying any used vehicle. Typically, a PPI done by a trustworthy mechanic costs between $100 and $200.
  2. Can we take it for a test drive?

Price and Payment

  1. Is the asking price negotiable?
  2. What’s your best price?
  3. What payment methods do you accept?

Know Your Market

It always pays to be an informed shopper. Here are some reader favorites that you can use to save more and stress less.

Used Car Price Trends (Updated Weekly)

Free Guides to Used Car Buying

What’s My Car Worth?

Out-the-Door Price Calculator

Join the CarEdge Community to connect with likeminded bargain hunters. You can also see crowdsourced car deal reviews, and contribute your own!

Do Your Research, and Buy Confidently

CarEdge Data

Purchasing a used car requires thorough research and due diligence. By asking these questions, you’re taking the right steps toward ensuring that your next vehicle is a reliable ride, and not a financial and mechanical burden. 

Remember, transparency is key. If a seller hesitates or refuses to answer any of these questions, consider it a red flag. 

Looking for help with buying a car? The CarEdge Team is ready to assist. From free resources to 1:1 car buying help, we’ve got you covered.

Check out these CarEdge success stories to see how much drivers are saving today.